| Music and Entertainment |
| The Purple Onion
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| Saluda Property & Real Estate |
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Winter is a great time to look at property--you can see everything and you don't have to worry about crawling critters!
LAND AND LOTS
Winter Views
Enjoy a winter view in every direction from this level hilltop building site. This private acreage offers the perfect mountain escape but is easily accessible from I-26 and close to town. 11.04 Acres near Howard Gap Rd.
MLS #398730
Offered at $287,014
6.34 Acres on Valhalla Ridge in Bear Creek-Great Views
21.34 Acres Overlooking Lake Hosea and Greenville Watershed
Follow Lake Hosea around and then go straight up to the top of the mountain. Three or four building sites with long range views. Borders Greenville Watershed. Offered at $655,140 - MLS#383813
7 Acres in River Ridge--Breath taking views
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| In Loving Memory |
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Mary Louise Fairey passed away Sunday, February 10. She ran the mail route in Saluda for many years and had many friends here. She was from Orangeburg, SC. |
| Saluda Senior Center |
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 Senior Center is open to the public and welcomes all Saluda citizens (at any age) to join in the activities and programs offered.
Monday Activities Schedule
9:00 NIA
9:30 Walking Group
9:30 Line dancing
12:30 Yoga
Tuesday Activities Schedule
10:00 Bridge
2:15 Chair Exercise
5:30 Yoga
Wednesday Activities Schedule
9:30 Walking Group
10:00 Trash Train
12:30 Gentle Yoga
5:30 Vinyasa Yoga
Thursday Activities Schedule
9:30 Knitting Group
5:30 Vinyasa Yoga
6:45 Beginner's meditation
March 13 -2:30 Board Meeting.
Friday Activities Schedule9:30 Walking Group 10:00 Trash Train 10:00 Chair Exercise
March 14- Birthday Celebration.
Closed Good Friday-March 21
Sunday Activities
9:15 Silent meditation
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The Senior Center serves warm nutritious lunches Monday through Friday from 11:30-12:30 at a cost of $3.00 a person and for senior's, a contribution would be appreciated.
The Saluda Senior Center provides many services to the growing retirement community in Saluda. Volunteers to provide these services are needed.
They encourage you to share your time to help deliver meals on wheels or work in A Thrifty Barn retail shop.
For more information about activities at Saluda Senior Center call Donna at 828-749-9245.
Basement Sale at A Thrifty Barn first and third Saturdays of the month.........great bargains!
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Saluda School Calendar |
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March 4 - NC Writing Test
March 6 - Souper Supper 5-7pm - Games, Movies, Parent Meetings
March 8 - Beautify Our School 10-12 - Free pizza and drinks
March 10 - Read-a-Thon Begins
March 12 - Student half day
March 13 - Logo Team to present at Sunny View Elementary, Polk County Middle Schools and Polk Central High School
March 19 - K-3 see Charlotte's Web at Tryon Fine Arts Center
March 20 - Last day of Read-A-Thon
March 21 - No School - Holiday
March 24 - No School - Holiday
March 29 - Super Saturday - Billy Jonas - Parade
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| Saluda Community Library |
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Computer Classes have started up again at the library every Monday 1-3. Learn how to use email, browse the Internet, and other fun computer programs.
Bouncing Babies activities for 0 to 18 months Fridays, 11:00-11:30am.
For more information about programs at the library, call 828-749-2117.
Painting of the Saluda Library by Paul Koenen and can be purchased at Saluda Fine Arts. A percentage of the proceeds go to the Saluda Library. |
| Saluda Church Services |
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Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
The Reverend Paula C. Morton
8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist - Rite I
9:15 a.m. - Sunday School
10:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist - Rite II with music.
Saluda Presbyterian
The Reverend Gene Witherspoon
Adult SS 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am
Saluda First Baptist Church
Welcome new pastor, David Webb
SS 9:45 am
Worship Service 11 am & 6:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Saluda Methodist Church
The Reverend Tony Sayer
SS 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am |
| Easter Sunrise Service |
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Reverend Gene Witherspoon pastor of Saluda Presbyterian Church and Reverend Tony Sayer, pastor of Saluda Methodist Church will deliver the annual Easter Sunrise Service at 7:00am on Orchard Hill Easter Sunday, March 23. Breakfast will be served at the Saluda Methodist Church after the service.
Directions to Orchard Hill: Take Greenville St across RR tracks and travel about 2 miles. Right on Pace Mountain Rd., First Right on Orchard Hill. Park and walk up the hill.
*In case of inclement weather, service will be held at Methodist Church. |
| Meetings to Remember |
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Town Council meets second Monday of the month at 7:00pm in the meeting room above the Saluda Library.
Saluda Business Association's next regular monthly meeting will be Tuesday, March 4 at 5:30pm in the meeting room at the Saluda Public Library.
Saluda Community Land Trust meets every third Wednesday at 3 at the meeting room at the Saluda Public Library. For information please call Betsy Burdett at 828-749-2161.
Saluda Planning Board meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7pm in the meeting room of the Saluda Public Library.
Polk County Democratic Precinct #4, Saluda, will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. in the Saluda Community Library. All registered Democrats are encouraged to attend.
Saluda Community Land Trust and Garden
Live on a shady slope? Tired of high prices of produce? Anxious to get your hands in rich soil? Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) is developing a community garden to meet your needs. Watch for upcoming notices to reserve a plot in our new Robinson Community Garden sponsored by SCLT. SCLT meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. March meetings will be on the 5th and 19th at 3:00 in the library conference room. Please join us! |
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The Women's Club of Saluda |
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St. Patrick's Special Invitation
to the Men of Saluda!
Of course, women invited too.
We're having a special speaker that you men might like to hear.
Guy Wellman, Field Coordinator of
The Dodgers Baseball Fantasy Camp
Tells us all about it
March Meeting
When: March 11, 2008, 10 am (Men come at 10:30)
Where: Saluda Presbyterian Church
(behind the Saluda library)
Everyone's invited to stay after the presentation for
Hot Dog Lunch
We are a service/social organization dedicated to helping Saluda
become an even better place to live. We include year-round residents and part-timers of all ages. We work to raise money to support our projects and have a little fun along the way.
Our primary goal is to provide scholarships to deserving Saluda students. In addition, we support the Medical Center, the Fire Dept. and the Senior Center--all in Saluda, as well as other deserving organizations.
If you'd like to come see what we are all about, please visit one of our meetings. We welcome visitors each month. Please call Marti Wells at 749-9538 for details. |
| Saluda Garden Club |
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 If you're beginning to plan for summer travel and you are a gardener, it would be a mistake not to consider Longwood Gardens near Kennett Square in southeastern Pennsylvania. They had their beginnings in 1906 when Pierre S. DuPont purchased Pierce's Park which has been expanded to 1,050 acres with more than 11,000 species of plants, more fountains than any other in the United States, and a sundial with an interesting story about 8 years of construction and an investment of $57,000.
The Main Conservatory on 4.5 acres with 20 gardens, the 20 gardens outside, the amphitheatre, main house, the impact of Longwood on the community and the world, and the indescribable depth and breadth of this creation are beyond a description in words. They are absolutely a must-see experience to encompass their magnitude and beauty.
The Saluda Garden Club will meet at 10:00am on the 17th of March at the library for a business meeting before proceeding to Tryon on a field trip. All who are interested are not only invited and welcomed, but encouraged to attend! And don't forget your green!
Happy Gardening! Sandra Rocks |
City Notes
Saluda 2008
by Mayor Rodney A. Gibson |
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The Saluda Board of Commissioners held their annual vision and planning retreat February 15th and 16th at the Saluda Community Library. The focus of the retreat covered three areas of governance:
ˇ Budget
ˇ Saluda's Water Future
ˇ 10 unresolved issues from the recent revisions of the Zoning Ordinance
o Parking
o Ozone Transition Zoning (e.g., Neighborhood Commercial District)
o Undersized lots
o Junk Yards
o Signs in Zoning Districts C-1 and C-H (Historic downtown area)
o Vintage Signs in the C-H District
o C-1 Prohibited Uses
o Storage Trailers
o Landscaping in C-1 District
o Alternative Modes of Transportation
The significance of the retreat is that it allows the Mayor, Board of Commissioners, Citizens Boards and City Staff to address issues in an open forum of ideas and discussion. The good news is that this retreat was particularly successful in all areas. Following is a summary.
Budget
Over the last several years, the basis for our budgeting process has been changing from a short-term view to a long-term view. Past budgeting has occurred on a year-to-year basis which has created an environment of uncertainty, planning decisions that can't be implemented, inefficient use of tax revenues and generally poor governance. To correct and improve the governance process, the Board agreed to a 5-year planning window for the budget. What this means to our tax payers is more certainty on when and how much tax rates will be changed during the period of the planning window. It also gives us the opportunity to plan and direct resources in a more deliberate manner to correct infrastructure and service deficiencies using a "reasonable further progress" thinking each year rather than an "all or none" approach that was common before. The good news is that it is already working. Beginning in 2007, we set the tax rate that will fund our City needs through 2011 barring any unforeseen external factors. Included in our planning window is the property re-evaluation cycle, which we are planning as a neutral tax event regarding the budgeting process for the city.
As a matter of information, the annual 3rd-party financial & procedures audit was completed and the report submitted to the Mayor and Commissioners. The auditors conduct a thorough review of how we manage the finances of the City, the accounting processes and procedures used and the many aspects of operating the finances of our separate Departments. Each year the lead auditor gives us a summary of the findings during a regular meeting. The findings and discussion were very short this year because there were no significant findings or deficiencies in the way in which our Budgeting and Financial Management system operates. This should provide comfort and assurance that your tax dollars are being used appropriately.
The "Toys for Children" run by our Police Department has become so successful that it was necessary to hire some temporary help for a few days during the Holiday Season to receive, document and disperse the gifts and toys. Congratulations to you Saluda for your kindness and generosity. Because occurred during the Commissioners debate about hiring an Administrator for the Police Department, some viewed this as "backdoor" filling of this position after the Board of Commissioners rejected the permanent position. This is just to inform you that it was not such an effort and is not the kind of behavior that the Mayor or Board of Commissioners would condone and we will continue to govern to the best of our ability in a transparent way.
During the retreat, each of the Commissioners stated their goals for the upcoming budget year beginning July 1st. The goals are areas that each Department Commissioner feels is important to their budgeting priorities and will try to include in their budget structure.
Public Safety-Police & Fire
ˇ Community Policing
o Bicycle and Foot Patrols will continue and increase
o Consistent marking of police vehicles-same color cars with logos
o Installation of additional community cameras
ˇ Communications upgrade
o Replacement of obsolete analog radio system
ˇ Officers Equipment
o Bullet proof vests that are beyond life-cycle limits
o Bicycles
Water & Sewer
ˇ New supplemental water sources
ˇ Completion of sewer plant repairs and modifications
ˇ Operating cost savings with new water meters
ˇ Capital fund setup
Streets & Parks
ˇ Capital fund setup & additions
ˇ Street management to enhance Powell Fund revenues
ˇ Parking improvements
Buildings
ˇ City Hall Renovations
ˇ Library Maintenance & Deep Cleaning
ˇ New Programs
o Community Archives
o Cemetery Memorial
o Recycling Center
Saluda's Water Future
The plans for a Polk County Water Authority is well underway after 4 long years of effort by your local officials and government staffs. Saluda will continue to provide support and commitments to this important effort. Future generations face many uncertainties concerning fresh water supplies and we are actively addressing those anticipated needs now. There are limits on the natural resources and there is a need for unprecedented flexibility in accessing regional fresh water resources. The new waterline connections between Saluda, Tryon and Columbus is about to become a reality in the near future since the "emergency" grants have been issued by the State of North Carolina. These lines will provide immediate benefits to Tryon and future benefits to Columbus and Saluda.
However, Saluda has some unique opportunities to expand our options on water supplies that we believe will not only give us dependable and adequate sources of drinking water but will help us to contain our costs as the value of water rises. We are pursuing those and have hired a consultant to do the technical and cost evaluations for these options. We'll bring more information to you as it develops. The options involve wells and a surface-water intake and treatment system. Preliminary economic analysis indicates that the options are promising.
10 Unresolved Issues from the Recent Revisions of the Zoning Ordinance
It is very important for our community to give thanks to your neighbors who committed to providing the Mayor and Board of Commissioners with revisions to our Zoning Ordinance that was passed unanimously by the Board. This includes not only the Planning Board Members but the Advisory Committee for their hard work. The Planning Board and Advisory Committee provided a product that had eluded us in our past efforts. It was an exercise of practical thinking by people with differing viewpoints that were heard by the group in an environment of understanding and tolerance. Although the process was the structure for bringing the ideas together, it was the people exhibiting classic Saluda Culture that made it happen. All too often Boards and Advisory Committees get diverted from their objectives by self-interest, power plays, egos and personalities. Thank you for putting the Community first.
Having said that, they were realistic about the things that they couldn't agree upon. When that occurs, it's perfectly legitimate and proper to kick those issues back to the elected officials. In this case, they identified 10 issues that they felt needed leadership from the Mayor and Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners and Planning Board will be working to resolve the issues over the next several months. During the retreat there was a clear consensus on moving forward with each issue including:
Parking in C-H District
Parking will be addressed by City infrastructure investments as well as through requirements of private property owners through the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance will require parking spaces for uses in an overlay area of the existing C-H District. Parking spaces will be required for new residential and business uses outside the high density historic areas. Parking spaces will not be required for uses in the existing high density areas. These areas will be defined and presented to the public for review and comments.
The remote lot off West Main Street will be prepared for parking this year. In addition, sidewalks will be constructed to make the parking more accessible and safer.
Another important idea that was received well by the Board is restricting the traffic on Church Street to one-way from Main Street to Henderson Street. This would remove a safety hazard due to sight restrictions at the corner of Main Street and Church Street as well as allow parking along one side of the street to the tune of from 15 - 18 parking spaces.
Ozone Transition
There is a vision of the commercial zoned area along Ozone Road that begins at the Hwy 176 intersection as having a softer commercial character than the remainder of Ozone as you move towards I-26. The Board has a strong interest in creating a "neighborhood commercial" district that is more consistent with the existing neighborhood feel and provides a buffer and transition zone. This option will be explored and recommendations placed in front of the Board this year. We will attempt to access the knowledge and experience of our neighbors through an Advisory Committee. If you're interested, please let us know.
Undersized and Odd-size Lots
Many years ago when our forefathers laid out the neighborhoods and lots in Saluda, they commonly broke lots up into 25-foot-wide parcels. Under today's vision and zoning requirements, a 25 foot wide lot by itself is not useful as anything more than a buffer. Additionally, we also have a number of odd-sized lots that don't meet current minimum lot line lengths. Unfortunately, we still have a number of these lots scattered throughout the community that must be addressed such that property owners can have some reasonable expectation that the value of the property can be realized. The basic approach being pursued by the Board has the following priorities:
1. Where possible, lots are to be combined to achieve the minimum lot size requirements.
2. At a minimum, the lots must meet the setback requirements due to safety concerns.
3. If the first two efforts are not possible or reasonable, then the variance procedure should be adequate.
Signs in C-1, C-H and Vintage Signs in C-H
After much discussion, it is clear that the primary issue relates to vintage signs in the C-H District. Because of the limited number of these, the Board is going to pursue specific exemptions for certain existing signs in the C-H District.
C-1 Prohibited Uses
The Board reviewed the list of prohibited uses in the C-1 Districted and made several recommended modifications. One important aspect of the current prohibitions is the restriction of general retail merchandise stores to less than 7,200 square feet. This was recognized as a prohibition that limits many undesirable uses in the C-1 District. The modified prohibitions will be provided for public review and comment.
Landscaping in C-1 District
A careful review of this District shows that there is very little opportunity for private property owners to provide landscaping of any sort. As a result, the Board did not entertain any option of putting such a requirement into the Zoning Ordinance. On a going forward basis, any landscaping that is appropriate will likely be done by the City.
Alternative Modes of Transportation
The appropriateness of the Zoning Ordinance relative to alternative modes of transportation was considered. It was decided that this issue needed to be addressed in the context of the state driven Transportation Planning process. We currently have an Advisory Committee that is charged with developing general recommendations on a Transportation Plan for the Saluda Community. The recommendations should include pedestrian, bicycle, golf cart, trucks, car and other vehicle uses and infrastructure needs. Additionally, it needs to consider linkages between "green belts" and conservation areas. The Board will actively direct the efforts of the Transportation Advisory Group on this matter.
Junk Yards and Storage Trailers
The revised Zoning Ordinance contains requirements for both Junk Yards and Storage Trailers. There appears to be a need for clarification as well as coordination with Federal and State Statutes in both these areas. Further work will be planned for these issues.
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It's in the Air |
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 Do you feel it yet? Garden soils are being upturned preparing the ground for plantings, red-buds trees are budding out, fiesty winter winds are forcing back the spring-like weather, and daffodils have popped out along the mountain ridges and roadsides. Business owners on Main Street are sprucing up and planning for a busy, tourist season.
Road crews are mowing and starting to repair roads damaged by cold weather. Saluda residents are picking up their pace and there is a sense in the air that something good is about to happen!
Transitioning from winter to spring isn't easy. With March comes St. Patrick's Day, Easter, daylight savings time, and the first day of Spring. But winter doesn't give up easily and many a time Saluda's spring flowers are covered with an icy layer of snow.
But those events are short lived and don't dampen the spirits of Saludians. They are ready for summer folks to return and their days to be packed with gardening, evenings warm enough to rock on the porch, and a busy season of events and festivals to attend. |
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What's Happening |
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Fred Whiskin is on the piano every Friday night at 7pm. Check out the Purple Onion's Thursday and Saturday night line up by clicking on the link provided in Quick Links.
Brooks Williams will be appearing at the Purple Onion on March 9 as part of its Sunday Night Concert Series. Williams is a fabulous guitarist and singer/songwriter who appeared in Saluda a couple of years ago in Frank and Amy's summer concert series. His performance starts at 7 o'clock. Tickets are limited and are $15 per person. Call the cafe for reservations at 828-749-1179. Learn more about Williams at Brooks Williams.
Join us at The Orchard Inn for an unforgettable mountaintop experience! We hope to see you soon. Kathy and Bob Thompson, Charley and Robert Thompson The Orchard Inn
Upcoming events:
Wine Weekend (March 7-9)
Tour some of the world's best vineyards -- right in our living room! A weekend of fabulous food and fine wine awaits. Please call for details: 1-800-581-3800. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.
It's time to make reservations at The Orchard Inn now for Saluda 2008 events:
Saluda Arts and Music Festival, May 17
Fourth of July and Coon Dog Day Parade, July 5
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming events. Please call (800) 581-3800 for details on special events or e-mail us at innkeeper@orchardinn.com.
The Green River Boys invite you to Shaffer's Roadside Grill (formerly City Club and Grill). They are scheduled to perform March 14 and 28 at 6:00pm. Check their schedule at Green River Boys.
.jpg) Saluda Mountain Jamboree
March 1 brings another annual Clogging Competition to Saluda Mountain Jamboree. The Winter Invitational Clogging Competition will take place all day and part of the evening on Saturday, March 1. Teams from seven states will be here to compete during this event. If anyone wants to see some great clogging, this will be an entire day of great performances. The admission is only $5.00 and competition will start around 9:00am. There will not be a Saturday night dance on this date.
During the month of March, The Jamboree will
start promotions for a VERY SPECIAL performance that is scheduled for May 3. The award winning country artists group, "SHENANDOAH" will be on stage here in Saluda for a spring concert.
"SHENANDOAH" has had 3 gold albums, 13 number one hits, numerous top ten hits, received CMA and ACM awards, as well as, the coveted Grammy award. Some of their hits include: "Two Dozen Roses," "Church on Cumberland Road," "Next to You, Next to Me," "Sunday in the South," "Moon Over Georgia," "If Bubba Can Dance, I Can Too," "I want to be Loved Like That," and the list goes on and on.
This is sure to be one of the biggest events for The Saluda Mountain Jamboree and it will be just in time to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of The Jamboree. The tickets go on sale March 29. Reserved seats will be $25.00 and general admission will be $20.00.
99.9Kiss Country Radio will be advertising this concert and giving away 10 reserved tickets the week before they go on sale.
Please make plans now to be at The Saluda Mountain Jamboree on May 3.
Keep in touch with all the happenings at The Jamboree by visiting their website: www.saludamountainjamboree.com and make every Saturday night a special night At The Saluda Mountain Jamboree.
The doors open at 7:00 pm and the music is 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm. More information at the web Saluda Mountain Jamboree or call 828-749-3676.
Random Arts Upcoming Workshops
March 1st. Lisa Blackwell is here teaching us how to create a Precious Metal Clay wearable pendant. $250. includes a full
day instruction and all the supplies including the PMC. All skill levels welcome. Class size is limited. REGISTER now to avoid being left out.
March 14th (Friday) 6-8pm Winged Things
with Caroline Hatchell
Learn the basic art of mini a.ssemblage while creating a fun and original winged friend.
Using a metal stencil or brass letters and basic metal assemblage techniques, you will assemble this sassy little winged thing to adorn your walls or to incorporate into a larger assemblage. $40. All Skill Levels (short supply list)
March 15th Sat. (10-12noon)Fine Feathers Bird Assemblage with Caroline Hatchell
Birds of a feather have fun playing together! This absolutely adorable mini assemblage is a fun make and take project class that utilizes basic metal assemblage, metal stamping, and wire techniques. $40
All Skill levels. (short supply list)
March 15th Sat. (2-4) Shabby Chic Button Bracelet with Caroline Hatchell
Using an eclectic mix of vintage buttons, wire and fibers, create a one-of a kind altered art statement in this fun class! Choose
from Random Arts large array of beautiful vintage buttons and fabulous fibers and ribbons to create an absolutely adorable
"shabby chic" work of wearable art. $45 All skill levels. (short supply list)
March 29th - Kristi Steiner 10-4 Fiberart Nest Art workshops fill us up with energy, inspiration, friendships and lavish support. If only we could sustain these magical
ingredients once we return home to our studios. That's the theme for this 3 dimensional birdhouse, a collaged
shelter for an ArfiberNest, reminding us of the ingredients so necessary to nurture and protect our creativity.In this energetic workshop you will learn how to dye and distress fabric, lace and paper for custom colors to make you swoon! Next you'll learn three new techniques to add texture and age to anything. Spend an entire day with Kristi and nourish your creative spirit. 10-4. $95. ( supply list available at registration) ll skill levels.
http://www.kristinsteiner.com
April 4th & 5th Annie Fain Liden -
Spirit House: Explorations with a Triptych Book Structure
This book structure, also called "gate fold" or "triptych," is a hard cover, multi-needle Coptic book structure with a wonderful twist. The completed book is essentially two books facing each other, both sewn to the same back cover allowing the books to open out like a set of French doors. We will add a more sculptural element to our books by shaping our covers and text pages to reflect the shape of a house and sew a button or bead to each cover, like door knobs, to act as a creative closure for
the book. A perfect workshop for the beginning or experienced bookmaker
looking to "breaks the bounds" of the average journal, sketchbook, or artist book structure. 10-4 both days $150. Be sure to check out Annie's web site for information on this talented artist.
More workshops are schedule throughout the year and the descriptions and photos are available on Random Arts
STARTING MARCH 1ST, Random Arts will be open Tues - Sat. 10 am till 5pm
Adventure and Art. Join Jane Powell, mixed media artist and owner of Random Arts for a week long adventure in Italy. The trip to Orvieto, Italy will include a workshop focusing on the essence of Orvieto and its historic surroundings through the use of organic materials, found objects, and a variety of time tested techniques. By combining your day to day explorations in Orvieto with workshop time you will complete a very personal chronicle of your adventures in Italy in book form. Our individual daily experiences will influence and prompt you to "think outside the box" while creating in a no rules environment with Jane and other like minded artists. No experience needed - just a sense of adventure! To learn more about this opportunity to visit Italy please click here Italy Adventure or contact Jane at randomarts@charter.net.
 Jim Carson Outdoor Painting Workshop--Jim Carson will hold his spring "plein air" oil and acrylic workshop, entitled "Painting Fast And Loose/ Eliminating The Unnecessary" in Saluda, on Thursday - Saturday, June 5 - June 7. The outdoor workshop will focus on simplifying large shapes and applying paint quickly and confidently, with an emphasis on color harmony, painterly marks and composition. The cost of the workshop is $300, which includes a "get acquainted" gathering at Carson's home on Wed. night, June 4. For more information, visit Jim Carson or call 828 749-3702. Carson is represented locally in Hendersonville by Wickwire Gallery.
Fly Fishing Classes in March at Curtis Wright Outfitters
Fly Fishing for Beginners class
Sat morning
March 15th and March 29th
9am - 12:30
Intro to Fly Tying class
Saturday afternoon
March 15th and March 29th
1:30pm - 5:00 pm
Cost for each class is $75 person and all tools and materials are provided
Please call 828.274.3471 to sign up. | |
| Holy Week at Church of the Transfiguration |
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| Maundy Thursday
Holy Eucharist & Stripping of the Altar
7:30 pm
Good Friday
Stations of the Cross
12:00 noon
Good Friday Liturgy
6:00 pm
Holy Saturday
The Great Vigil of Easter &Holy Eucharist
7:30 pm
Easter Day
Holy Eucharist
8:00 am
Festival Choral Eucharist with Brass
& Flowering of the Cross
10:30 am
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
72 Charles Street
Saluda, NC
828-749-9740
Transfiguration |
The Worst Salesman in the World by author Joe Adams |
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Years ago when I was a student at the University of Wisconsin, I got a call one day from a good friend of mine who announced that he had become a salesman.
I yelled through the phone, "You can't be a salesman." He wanted to know why not. I said, "You are totally devoid of personality. A salesman has to have personality."
But George insisted that someone was going to teach him everything he needed to know to become a successful salesman. I wanted to know if he was selling encyclopedias. Those were popular with door to door salesmen back then although we didn't get too many of them because we lived on the third floor of an apartment building and carrying those books was too much for most of them.
George said he wasn't doing door to door sales. He was selling only by appointments and he would be selling something every household needed: Kirby Vacuum Cleaners. I laughed out loud. We certainly didn't need a vacuum cleaner. We had no rugs and very little furniture. We were lucky to be able to afford a broom.
He wanted to make an appointment to come and demonstrate the Kirby Vacuum Cleaner but I told him in no uncertain terms that we were not buying one of the things under any circumstance.
He told me he really needed some practice so he wasn't expecting us to buy. But I figured that was what they had trained him to say. Then he said he would give us a free case of Pepsi's if I would allow him to demonstrate the machine. I was still reluctant but in my heart I knew he would never be able to talk me into buying anything so I finally said o.k. He wanted to know if the "lady of the house" would be there for the demo. I said, "You mean my wife, Carol?" He said we both had to be present in order to qualify for the free drinks.
When he came over he really had to struggle to get the Kirby up the steps. They weigh more than a set of encyclopedias...and I made him go back down and bring the Pepsi's up. I didn't trust him. I wanted the Pepsi's in the apartment before we started.
I kept laughing as he got his equipment out because he had memorized the sales pitch word for word. He said we would be amazed at how much dirt the Kirby would pick up out of the rugs. I reminded him, pointing to the floor, that we had no rugs.
"I'll do the couch then," he said, "You'll be amazed at how much dirt the Kirby will pull out of the couch." I reminded him that the couch was brand new; we had just got it from Sears the week before.
"No matter. You will be amazed. I'll put the upholstery cleaner on and show you how filthy
and germ ridden your couch is."
He turned on the Kirby and it sounded like an airplane engine. He made one swipe down the seat of the couch...and it sucked four buttons off!
"Look what you've done, you nut. You have ruined our new couch. This is going to cost you more than a case of Pepsi's." I yelled.
He told me he could get the buttons out of the Kirby. But getting them back on the couch was what I wanted.
Next he wanted to do our mattress and moved into the bedroom. I had painted the room. I wanted a bold pink color but it came out more red, so I had painted watermelon seeds on the wall. He wanted to know if I wanted him to suck the seeds off the wall. I made him move out of the bedroom.
We went into the kitchen and before I knew what was happening, he turned on the Kirby to
do the curtains...and it sucked them right off the rods. "I guess I should have put it on low", he said. He also sucked up a three foot high bean plant. I had been studying about germination in botany class and had germinated some pinto beans. The bean plant was like Jack in the Beanstalk. It had taken off right toward Heaven and I was encouraging it by having daily talks with it. But now it had been sucked into a Kirby along with all the bean seeds and what little dirt was left in the pot.
"You've got to leave," I yelled at him.
"But we haven't talked about price yet," he insisted.
"We don't need to talk about price, George, because I have absolutely no intention of buying one of these things. It sucked the buttons off my couch, you idiot."
"Other than that, how did my presentation go?" he wanted to know.
"You were incredible. Incredibly bad." I felt like I was speaking from the heart.
George kept trying to sell the Kirby's using the free Pepsi's as a foot in the door. He worked for about four months and after not selling a single Kirby, he decided to quit. He owed the company $l87.00 for all the Pepsi's he had given away. Probably the first salesman that had to pay his own company. And that's bad.
If you enjoy Joe's column in Saluda Lifestyles, please let him know. You can email him at americaohyes@gmail.com. |
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I Can See For Miles and Miles. . . |
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 Winter is a special time to visit the Mountains of Western North Carolina. The autumn leaves have all fallen and their handiwork creates a dense winter quilt that decorates the forest floor.
The gifts that autumn bestows upon us are many. Cooler temperatures allow us to sport about in the fashionable new sweaters and jackets we received for Christmas; on a beautiful 50-degree day, a lengthy bike ride or a vigorous hike can be undertaken without the serious threat of dehydration; and with all the trees vacant of their foliage, the view goes on forever! Unobstructed panoramic vistas now appear where previously a lush jade curtain had hung. On a recent drive to Columbus for pizza, the light of day faded and ignited thousands of glistening lights, the evidence of distant neighborhoods and cities-a view you might have only experienced from an airplane in flight.
During the recent lunar eclipse, we watched from the lawn as the shadow of the earth stretched out across the silver moon. For the brief time the moon and its glow were blotted out from the sky, we stood breathless beneath an explosion of stars. The milky brilliance we observed was the result of the absence of city lights and the lack of lunar light.
Saluda, and the mountains that surround, are in a constant metamorphosis with every  seasonal change. This wintry visitor has brought us intense blue skies by day and an abundance of constellations at night; a beautiful blanket of snow that lasted for days and an ice storm that encased everything in a chrysalis of diamonds and glass.
A recent guest pointed out the first signs of an impending spring. Tiny shoots pushing their way through the damp soil, dreaming of the summer days ahead.
Fall and winter is a concert of sights, sounds, smells and tastes. A time to rest and renew. A time to rediscover the beauty of our surroundings and beauty of ones own self.
We would like to thank all the wonderful guests and friends that have experienced this time with us and look forward to sharing with the friends we have yet to meet
By Dale and Donna Potruski, Innkeepers
The Oaks Bed and Breakfast
828-749-2000
800-893-6091
Photography courtesy of Dale Potruski |
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Saluda Scoop |
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| The latest news and the unusual offerings provided by Saluda shops, restaurants, artists, and craftspeople
 Caroline's Gifts (Caroline's On Main) is celebrating its tenth year in business in Saluda with a STOREWIDE SALE now in progress! Caroline's began on February 15, 1999, on the lower level of Nostalgia Courtyard and moved to the present location on Main Street next to the Bank/Post Office building on July 01, 2001. Time really does fly when you're having fun! We have watched our customers' children grow from active youngsters requiring constant supervision into responsible teenagers and young adults. What a blessing to have been a part of this, even though not always easy! As February 15, 2008, officially began our tenth year, we invite you to visit us and to take advantage of the specials throughout the store. New merchandise has begun arriving! We will remain on short winter hours (primarily Noon - 4:00PM Wednesday - Saturday and some Mondays) until the middle of March at which time we will return to our regular business hours. We can be reached at 828-749-9320 or at gifts@carolinesonmain.com.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS ! We could not have reached this milestone without you!
By Caroline and Katie
Larry and Debbie Jackson are proud to present the shiny new Ward's Grill! After closing for a week, all the decades-old restaurant equipment was hauled off.  In its place new grills, ventilators, and ovens were installed. Ward's Grill is now serving biscuits in the morning to go along with the homemade sausage.Hmmmm!
Comments from Ward's Grill employees and customers about the renovations that were done the last week of January -
EMPLOYEES----
Kathy - really likes the new beverage station and ice machine/dispenser. "Things are a lot cleaner and better organized."
Cindi - "It's so much better and cleaner. The updated equipment makes the job easier and more efficient."
Samantha - "I like the new ventilation system, because I don't have grease all over me now, and my dog doesn't sniff me when I get home."
Heather - "It's easier to clean, more efficient and better on us."
CUSTOMERS----
Fred - "smells better - biscuits are good"
Jem - "Big improvement, but same environment."
Phillip - "Very nice change and improvement, but kept same atmosphere. Glad to still have a store and grill in Saluda. I hope to see a lot of locals using both."
Bernie and Doreen - "The grill is our home away from home, and now we don't smell like smoke when we leave. We eat two meals a day here, and we don't eat at home."
Irma - "Big change for the better!"
Max - "Overall improvement - safer for employees and customers"
Adolf - "Improved very much and definitely cleaner."
Eddie - "It looks great! Biscuits are outstanding!"
Don - "Looks great and has same old time feel of the grill. Biscuits are great!"
Kathy - "The food has always been good, but I like eating here more now because the air is cleaner and that makes the surroundings and food more enjoyable."
Debbie - "Lunch at the Grill persuaded my clients to buy in Saluda."
Jesse - "I don't smell like hamburgers and French fries when I get home."
David & Susan - "The much needed improvements to the restaurant are great! We especially appreciate that they were done without changing or upsetting the atmosphere of the "Grill" that we all are accustomed to and that is a part of Saluda. Keep up the good work!"
OWNERS----
Larry and Debbie - Come in and experience the changes yourself!
Larry and Debbie would like to congratulate
Karen Rolett of Saluda as the winner of the 2 lb. box of Valentine candy! Congratulations Karen! She has a beauty shop in Flat Rock.
News from Biddie's Antiques
I have been in business for 28 years in March. I have had a great response to my shop and made so many friends. I appreciate all of you and your patronage. Thank you.
My daughter Amy Beeson will be with me this year and we decided we wanted to make a few changes. We will still have fine antiques, a few pieces of shabby chic-- I prefer to call it shabby elegance. New modern décor will also be added for a unique new look. Please come by to see us.
By Biddie
BIDDIE'S ANTIQUES & MODERN DÉCOR
26 CHURCH STREET 749-9254
3 doors behind the police department
Meet your neighborhood yoga/chair exercise instructor, Cassandra Nelson-Gorski. Located only .7 miles from Main Street on Greenville Street, Cassandra has created a tranquil, calm space in her abode and is offering relaxing therapeutic massages beginning at $45/hour. She is nationally and state-certified and has been practicing for five years. Some of her modalities include neuromuscular, deep tissue, and Swedish massage as well as polarity and Shiatsu. Gift certificates for massage and other classes are available. For additional information or reservations, please call Cassandra at 749-3794.
 Pastel paintings by artist, Jim Littel will be featured at the Senior Center during the month of March.
 In case you were curious about all the activity at Saluda Depot Station here's the scoop. Saluda Realty & Construction is moving into the building housing the Summerhouse and will share it with Summerhouse until Lisa Duck of Duck Alley completes her new building at the site where the caboose was which has moved to the back parking lot between Curtis Wright and Tosh's Whistlestop Cafe. Once Lisa's building is complete, she will move into her new building and Pam from the Summerhouse will move into Lisa's location in the Depot building. Then Saluda Realty & Construction will take over the whole building. Got it! Plan for all this to happen by late May of 2008.
To follow up on last month's info on Mona-Vie, the premier acai blend juice, (Purple Power) can be sampled at Tosh's Whistle Stop Cafe, Keith's Triathlon, or Galax Ole Stuff.
Moonflower Gallery and Gifts in Saluda NC is now The Gallery at Bear Creek. They still offer a large selection of Carolina artists and many gift items. They have taken on a new partner, Kimberly Webber Young and Verlie Murphy will now be the full time educator and Gallery Consultant.
The gallery will soon be offering framing and art supplies.
Starting on March 14th, a new showing of the works by CATS (Carolina Artists Teaching and Sharing) members, Felix Turner, Pamela MacMillan and Sondra Hodge will begin and run through April 1st.
The gallery is located at 5008 US 176 Hwy, in Saluda, at Melrose Station and can be reached by calling 828-749-2272 Tues. - Sat. 10am-4pm.
By Kanda Orlando
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| 2008 Saluda Arts & Music Festival
Call for Participation |
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Saluda Artists, this is for you! If you haven't applied yet to participate in Saluda's 5th annual arts and music festival, then the Saluda Business Association encourages you to do so.
We are doing a lot of promotions and marketing for this annual event. The town wants to show off its local talent so don't be left out!
 The Saluda Business Association is pleased to announce that the 5th annual Saluda Arts Festival will be Saturday, May 17 from 10am to 6pm. Artists and artisans are invited to submit applications to participate before April 1, 2008. More information and applications are available on Saluda.com. For more information, please contact Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876. |
| Saluda 's Andrea Duke Presented Key to the City
Getting Ready for National Competition |
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 Crowned Saturday, October 29 before a packed house at the High Point Theatre in High Point, NC, Saluda's Andrea Duke takes the title of MISS NORTH CAROLINA USA 2008.
Andrea is the daughter of Brenda and Alan Duke who reside in Saluda, North Carolina. Andrea will compete in the nationally televised MISS USA Pageant on NBC with the final night being held on Friday, April 11th.
City officials honored Andrea with the key to the city at the last town council meeting.
Because her duties as Miss USA North Carolina keep her busy, Andrea is not able to work currently and sponsorships to help fund her trip to compete are welcome. Donations for her can be sent to P.O. Box 95, Saluda, N.C. 28773.
Just imagine how proud we will be when Andrea walks down the runway and says, "I'm from Saluda, NC." She will represent the finest of Saluda's young people. Let's get behind her and her family and support them whether it's a note of congratulations or a financial donation...they will be grateful to know that you care and are supporting them.
Read what Andrea Duke has said about growing up in Saluda in the Tryon Daily Bulletin.
Make sure you mark your calendars for April 11 to watch the pageant and support our home-town champion! |
| Saluda Recycling Group Gets Rolling |
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A non-partisan group of some 35 citizens committed to recycling met at the Saluda Library on Tuesday, Feb. 12 for an informal discussion to consider possibilities for expansion of the current recycling
opportunities now available in Saluda.
Convener, Priscilla Eichelberger introduced speaker Cindy Walker, who described the paths taken to create the newly opened Tryon Recycling Center. This project involved collaboration of a few dedicated volunteers, a generous lot owner, and the conviction of a council member that since it was good for the environment, it was the right thing for Tryon to do in providing some operational support.
Walker answered numerous questions about the state of recycling in Polk County for townships out of areas serviced by curbside recycling. The group pledged itself to work in three ways: (1)within the city of Saluda, so that more effective curbside recycling for city residents could be encouraged through education and improved communication about acceptable recyclables, (2) to sign a petition asking Polk County government to provide both leadership and financial support for its citizens' recycling efforts by the establishment and servicing of small recycling stations in each of the 5 county townships, and (3) in the interim, to work to develop a temporary recycling center site convenient for all residents outside the town limits. |
| New Media Center at Senior Center |
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A seminar on Reverse Mortgages was presented at the Senior Center on February 28. The presenter, Ted Prichard, Reverse Mortgage Specialist from Allied Home Mortgage used the new media equipment that was purchased through fundraising and matching funds from the Modern Woodmen of America's matching fund program.
Turns out that Reverse Mortgages may be a great option for anyone over 62 who would like to use the equity in their homes for home repairs, pay off existing mortgages, medical expenses, travel, investments, or moves to a retirement village or senior care facility.
Thanks, Senior Center for arranging this timely and informative seminar.
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Warm Winter Day in Saluda |
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